The Montclair Pod
The Montclair Pod
Podcast Description
The Montclair Pod is your deep dive into the stories, issues, and buzz shaping Montclair, NJ. Hosted by three local friends—journalist and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi, MediaFeed co-founder Michael Schreiber, and TV producer Alexandra Privitera—we’re here to explore the heart of our vibrant community with curiosity and a dose of neighborly chatter. From the latest drama in Montclair schools to the tangled web of local politics and even the mysteries of our rollercoaster real estate market, we cover the topics you’re already chatting about at the bus stop, the farmer’s market, or over a drink at Tierney’s. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations and special guests, from community leaders to movers and shakers making waves in town. This is your show, too! Share your questions, opinions, critiques, and compliments at MontclairPod.com; you might hear them on an upcoming episode. Subscribe now to The Montclair Pod and join us in spotlighting the culture, stories, and spirited debates that make Montclair more than just a town—it’s home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Focuses on a range of local topics such as Montclair's real estate market, school system dynamics, and political identity with episodes examining housing challenges, the impact of national politics on community sentiment, and the redevelopment of iconic locations like Lackawanna Plaza.
The Montclair Pod is an award-winning podcast that offers a deep dive into the stories, issues, and buzz shaping Montclair, NJ. Hosted by local friends—journalist and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi and MediaFeed co-founder Michael Schreiber—we’re here to explore the heart of our vibrant community with curiosity and a dose of neighborly chatter. From the latest drama in Montclair schools to the tangled web of local politics and even the mysteries of our rollercoaster real estate market, we cover the topics you’re already chatting about at the bus stop, the farmer’s market, or over a drink at Tierney’s. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations and special guests, from community leaders to movers and shakers making waves in town. This is your show, too! Share your questions, opinions, critiques, and compliments at MontclairPod.com; you might hear them on an upcoming episode. Subscribe now to The Montclair Pod and join us in spotlighting the culture, stories, and spirited debates that make Montclair more than just a town—it’s home.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, we’re clearing the air on the school budget “heist” rumors and diving into the incredible backstories of two women with ties to Montclair. We sit down with Jennifer Tripucka, the founder of The Local Girl Media Group (and our own The Montclair Girl), to talk about building a local media empire in a shifting landscape. Then, we hear a story that sounds like a movie: Nikki Mammano joins us to discuss her memoir, Breaking Good, which follows her journey from the criminal underworld in Hawaii to finding a new life in Montclair. Plus, we investigate that unfinished eyesore on Church Street and celebrate a major national win for our favorite local bookstore, Watchung Booksellers.
The $20M Deficit: Heist or Overspending on Credit?
Following our “Supper with the Super” session with Ruth B. Turner, Mike and Farnoosh address the persistent rumors that the school district’s $20 million deficit was a “heist.” We break down why the “credit card analogy” is the most accurate way to describe years of overspending, uncollected bills, and structural math problems that date back to previous administrations.
“What the Hell is Even Happening with That?”: 65 Church Street
You’ve seen it—the five-story building near Park Street that’s been sitting half-finished for years. We dig into the 35-year history of development limbo at the old Hahne’s parking lot, from the failed hotel plans to the recent foreclosure. We look at where the building stands now.
Guest: Jennifer Tripucka (Founder, The Local Girl Media Group)
How do you build a hyperlocal news empire with 4 million readers and no outside investors? Jennifer Tripucka shares her journey from being a school counselor in Bloomfield to running six regional outlets. We discuss the demise of traditional print media like the Jersey Journal and why the demand for local information is actually higher than ever.
Guest: Nikki Mammano (Author, Breaking Good)
Standing in line at the Montclair supermarket, you’d never guess Nikki Mammano’s history. She joins us to discuss her raw and inspiring memoir, Breaking Good, detailing her past as a cocaine dealer on Hawaii army bases, her time in prison, and her ultimate redemption as a Montclair mom.
Local Beat: Awards & Elections
- Bookstore of the Year: A massive congrats to Watchung Booksellers for being named Publishers Weekly’s 2026 Bookstore of the Year! We discuss the legacy of Margot Sage-El and Maddie Ciliotta-Young.
- NJ-11 Results: Analilia Mejia soundly defeated Joe Hathaway in the special election to fill Mikie Sherrill’s seat. We discuss what this progressive victory says about the current political climate in the suburbs.
One Big Thing
- The College Women’s Club of Montclair Semi-Annual Book Sale (April 24-26). With 100,000 items and most books under $3, it’s a treasure hunter’s dream that has funded over $1.5 million in local scholarships. Meet Mike at 26 Park Street!
Links & Resources
- Guest: Follow Jen Tripucka and the team at The Montclair Girl. Learn more about their courses and coaching here.
- Guest: Buy Nikki Mammano’s memoir, Breaking Good.
- Book Sale: Get the details for the College Women’s Club Book Sale.
- School Budget: Read Andrew Rice’s deep dive into the math at My Montclair Education.
- Watch and subscribe to The Montclair Pod on Youtube
- Join our weekly newsletter and stay in the know
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Disclaimer
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